Elaborate on a preferred genre of music (or stage performance) that you love

Prompt: Elaborate on a preferred genre of music (or stage performance) that you love

Elaborate on a preferred genre of music (or stage performance) that you love

I. Outline of Elaborating on a Preferred Genre of Music (Stage Performance) I Admire: Hue Court Music (Standard)

1. Introduction

Introduce the enchanting world of Hue Court Music

2. Body

* Origin:
- Hue Court Music appeared in Vietnam in the 13th century but only thrived during the Nguyen dynasty.
- It is a musical form symbolizing seriousness and authority, expressing gratitude and respect to courageous monarchs and sacred deities.

* Development of Hue Court Music:
- Flourished most during the Nguyen dynasty, becoming a favored music genre of the kings.
- Amidst wars and historical fluctuations, courtly elegance diminished.
- In the 1990s, Hue Court Music entered a period of revival.

* Overview of Hue Court Music:
- Hue Court Music comprises main genres: Ritual and ceremonial music, court dance, chamber music, and theater.
- It is a comprehensive genre, combining sound with the refined performances of skilled singers and dancers.
- Musical instruments include various ensembles: Court music, Hanging music, Great music, Small music, Central and Accompanying drums, and Military music.
- Originally serving kings' enjoyment, it is now performed more widely, catering to a diverse audience.

* Cultural Value:
- A traditional music genre
- Embodies significant cultural values

3. Closing

Affirming the value of Hue Court Music.

II. Sample Essay on a Preferred Genre of Music (or Stage Performance)

1. Elaborate on a preferred genre of music (or stage performance): Hue Court Music

In the hustle and bustle of life's worries, people bear the pressures from society. To release negative emotions and burdens, individuals choose various paths. Some prefer lively activities or social gatherings, while I find solace in the refined pleasure of listening to Hue Court Music. Hue Court Music stands as a non-material cultural heritage of the world, an art form that has achieved sophistication, elevating the human spirit to profound and noble values. It serves as a means to relax one's soul amidst the complexities of life.

Court music is a genre associated with the royal courts of feudal times present in four East Asian countries: Vietnam, Japan, China, and Korea. It is the primary music performed during significant national ceremonies such as coronations, funerals, and various solemn festivals throughout different dynasties. Hue Court Music, emerging in Vietnam in the 13th century, truly flourished during the Nguyen dynasty, becoming a favored art form among kings and nobility. It symbolizes solemnity and authority, expressing gratitude and reverence to courageous monarchs and sacred deities.

Enduring through years of historical upheavals, the collapse of feudal dynasties, and constant warfare, Court Music lost some of its refined courtly essence. It wasn't until the 1990s that Hue Court Music entered a period of revival. With state and local support, this unique art form had the opportunity to reach beyond national borders. Hue Court Music encompasses main genres: Ritual and ceremonial music, court dance, chamber music, and theater. In general, it is a comprehensive music genre, combining sound with the exquisite performances of talented singers and dancers. The musical instruments include various ensembles: Court music, Hanging music, Great music, Small music, Central and Accompanying drums, and Military music. All these instruments, played by skillful musicians, singers, and dancers, contribute to creating dignified and highly esteemed ceremonies.

The various genres of Hue Court Music include: Ritual and ceremonial music, court dance, chamber music, and court theater (royal classical opera). Ritual music encompasses: Courtly ritual music, Ancestral temple ritual music, Five-degree ritual music, Grand court ritual music, Regular court ritual music, and Banquet ritual music. Hue Court Dance consists of numerous dance forms, each designated for specific ceremonies and rituals. Today, only eleven dance forms are preserved, including: Bat dap, Luc cung, Tam tinh, Bat tien, Battle for Buddha's victory, Four spiritual creatures, Journey to the West, Displaying military strategies, Female general marching out, Dance with fans, and Six horses raising their manes.

Hue Court Music is a distinctive and unique musical genre of the nation, accompanying the people during significant national ceremonies, especially in the dreamlike land of Hue. Despite the challenges of changing times, Court Music remains deeply rooted in the country, leaving behind immense artistic values. In 2003, UNESCO recognized Hue Court Music as an 'Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.' According to UNESCO, 'Among traditional music genres in Vietnam, only Court Music achieves the status of a national treasure.' This art form now transcends beyond a specific region or nation; its influence has reached other countries, embraced as a unique cultural heritage of the world.

Vietnam's Hue Court Music has been acknowledged as the intangible cultural heritage of the world, yet we continue to research and elevate its value to new heights. In today's society, where new cultures are introduced, ancient cultural aspects are gradually forgotten. Faced with this risk, each of us needs to comprehend our ethnic knowledge to contribute to preserving and conserving these precious artistic values.

2. Elaborate on a genre of music (or stage performance): Insights into the folk music Quan Ho Bac Ninh

Vietnamese people take pride in being the 'Land of a thousand years of civilization' with the fusion of multiple cultures. Despite centuries under the domination of French colonialism, our culture absorbed new cultural values while preserving the essence of our people. This led to the creation of incredibly unique art forms that contribute immense value to Vietnamese culture. Quan Ho Bac Ninh folk music is one such art form, captivating listeners with charming and tender melodies that reflect the profound affection of the Northern region.

Quan Ho folk music is a representative traditional melody of the Red River Delta in the Northern part of our country. Originating from the ancient Kinh Bac region, primarily in Bac Giang and Bac Ninh provinces along the Cau River, it has roots dating back to the 17th century. According to scientific researchers, Quan Ho emerged from the custom of exchanging singing between neighbors. The name 'Quan Ho' may be understood through a legend of an official passing through Kinh Bac who, unintentionally, fell in love with the sweet melodies of local singers. These enthusiasts formed a 'ho' or group. While this explanation holds some truth, there are many other interpretations related to cultural practices and the societal structure of that era...(Continued)

>> View the detailed sample essay Elaborating on Quan Ho Bac Ninh here.

3. Elaborate on a genre of music (or stage performance): Insights into Cai Luong

In the article 'Exposition on a Beloved Genre of Music (Stage)', we introduced to you the exposition on the Royal Court Music of Hue. Additionally, students can explore further: Exposition on a National Landmark, Exposition on a Local Handicraft (or a Specialty, a Culinary Cultural Feature) of their region, Exposition on a Festival capturing the beauty of traditional customs or reflecting the vibrant spirit of the era to enhance their knowledge and skills in writing exposition essays.